WO2024020604A1

WO2024020604A1 - Adjustable electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2024020604A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2023/050036
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Steyn
Original assignee: Paul Steyn
Priority date: 2022-07-18
Filing date: 2023-07-18
Publication date: 2024-01-25

Abstract

An electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus (1) for performing a plurality of resistance training exercises is provided. The apparatus comprises a base (2), at least one elongate rigid support member (3,4), an elongate bar (5) and an adjustable electro-mechanical resistance means. The base is dimensioned and configured to be positioned on a support surface. The elongate rigid support member extends vertically from the base. The elongate bar is displaceably coupled to the support member, wherein the bar is configured to be displaceable linearly along the length of the support member by a user when a user exerts force onto the bar. The adjustable electro-mechanical resistance means is operatively connected to the bar, configured to generate at least one level of resistance against the linear displacement of the bar. The electro-mechanical resistance means generates adjustable resistance in opposition to the attempted displacement of the bar by a user thereby allowing a user to perform a plurality of resistance training exercises with the bar.

Description

ADJUSTABLE ELECTRO-MECHANICAL RESISTANCE EXERCISE APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

[001] The invention relates to an electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus. More particularly but not exclusively, the invention relates to adjustable resistance exercise apparatus wherein adjustable resistance is generated by an electro-mechanical arrangement of electrical and mechanical components.

Background to the Invention

[002] It is well known that physical exercise can provide functional benefits to a person as well as improving a person’s overall health and well-being. While there are numerous exercise activities that one can participate in, these activities are typically categorised as either aerobic exercises or anaerobic exercises. Aerobic exercise generally refers to the category of activities that substantially increases the heart rate and respiration of a person performing them for an extended period of time. Anaerobic exercises in turn generally refer to exercises that strengthen skeletal muscles and typically involve the flexing and/or contraction of targeted muscles and/or muscle groups through significant exertion during a relatively short period of time and/or limited repetitions.

[003] Anaerobic exercise, or resistance training, has been known to improve posture, provide improved support for joints, increase bone density, improve cardiac function, increase strength and reduce the risk of injury from everyday physical activities. As a result and due to these benefits, resistance training has often been used in conjunction with other forms of exercise such as aerobic exercise.

[004] Resistance training is often practised by physically challenged persons, such as the elderly, to assist in the prevention of loss of muscle tissue associated with aging, and to help prevent physical ailments such as osteoporosis. Resistance training is often also a primary element in the recovery program of people in physical rehabilitation or with a specific disability, such as those that have experienced a stroke or orthopaedic surgery, and has been proven to assist in restoring such persons physical condition back to normal. [005] An essential element of all forms of resistance training is the use of a resistance generating means, preferably offering varying levels of resistance, in order to flex and/or contract the targeted muscles and/or muscle groups effectively across different ranges of repetition. One common type of such resistance generating means is a weight-based system. These systems typically provide varying weights to be lifted against gravity that can be engaged and disengaged in order to obtain the desired level of resistance. Weight-based systems are commonly categorized into so-called free weights, which include dumbbells, barbells and the like, or resistance machines, which operate with a predetermined, isolated range of motion, aimed at targeting specific muscles and/or muscle groups. When used for recovery, the use of resistance machines that operate within an isolated range of motion have been known to aid in the rehabilitation of injuries while greatly reducing the potential of aggravating existing injuries or risking new ones, whereas the use of free weights require the execution of specific movements with proper form to ensure that no such injuries occur.

[006] A problem that has been identified with weight-based systems is that the weight of the system increases as the potential maximum weight-based resistance provided by the system increases. As a result, weight-based systems, particularly those that can provide hundreds of kilograms of resistance, are cumbersome, costly and difficult to transport and/or move. These systems can also present substantial risk of injury upon mechanical failure of the system components. Furthermore and in order to target a wide range of muscles and/or muscle groups effectively, a combination of various free weights and resistance machines are required, all of which need to be able to provide varying levels of resistance. In addition, these systems are often used by a number different people, such as men and women between the ages of 14 and 75, all of whom have different resistance requirements in order to achieve their personal desired outcomes. Accordingly and due to the typical dimensions of free weights and resistance machines, as well as the large number of different systems that are required to meet the above requirements, a large amount of space is required to facilitate weight-based systems.

[007] A solution to the size, weight and inertial mass issues presented by weight-based systems is the use of elastic bands, arms and/or springs, rather than a set of weights, to provide the resistance required for resistance training. This type of system, also referred to as an elastomeric system, is typically lighter and easier to transport due to the relatively less inertial mass to be moved.

[008] However, elastomeric systems such as those mentioned above typically provide limited resistance zones, as they can only be stretched or bent to a limited degree, and some are prone to failure and even injury when stretched and/or bent beyond their operating limits. This limited range of motion makes these systems also unsuitable for certain resistance training exercises, such as those that require a larger range of motion. Furthermore, elastomeric systems present relatively inconsistent and unreliable levels of resistance due to, amongst other things, the diminishing levels of resistance provided by the band, arm, and/or spring as they deteriorate through repetitive use and age.

Object of the Invention

[009] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a novel, adjustable electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus that is suitable for performing a plurality of disparate resistance training exercises, or at least an alternative to the existing resistance training apparatuses.

Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to the first aspect of the invention there is provided an electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus for performing a plurality of resistance training exercises, the apparatus comprising: a base, dimensioned and configured for positioning on an external support surface; at least one elongate rigid support member, extending vertically from the base; a gripping member, operatively coupled to the support member, wherein the gripping member is configured to be displaceable linearly along at least part of the length of the support member by a user when a correspondingly directed, displacement force is exerted onto the gripping member; and an adjustable electro-mechanical resistance means, operatively connected to the gripping member and configured to generate at least one level of resistance against the linear displacement of the gripping member; wherein the electro-mechanical resistance means is configured to generate an adjustable resistance in opposition to the displacement of the gripping member by the user, thereby allowing the user to perform a plurality of resistance training exercises with the apparatus.

[0011] The gripping member may comprise an elongate bar.

[0012] The electro-mechanical resistance means may comprise a ball-screw assembly, wherein the ball-screw assembly comprises: a ball-screw shaft, provided with a continuous helical thread along its length wherein the shaft is positioned along the length of the support member; an electric motor, operatively connected to the ball-screw shaft; at least one engaging member, provided with a set of ball bearings that is configured to engage with and move along the thread of the ball-screw shaft; and at least one coupling means, configured to operatively couple the bar to the engaging member to allow the displacement of the bar along the length of the ball-screw shaft; wherein the ball-screw assembly is configured to generate at least one level of resistance against the linear displacement of the bar.

[0013] Alternatively, the electro-mechanical resistance means may comprise a belt-and-pulley assembly, wherein the belt-and-pulley assembly comprises: an elongate toothed belt, positioned along the length of the support member; a first pulley, operatively connected to the toothed belt and located towards a first end of the support member; a second drive pulley, operatively connected to the toothed belt and located towards a second end of the support member; an electric motor, operatively connected to the to the drive-pulley; and at least one coupling means, configured to operatively couple the bar to the toothed belt to allow the displacement of the bar along the length of the belt; wherein the belt-and-pulley assembly is configured to generate at least one level of resistance against the linear displacement of the bar.

[0014] Further alternatively, the electro-mechanical resistance means may comprise a rack-and-pinion assembly, wherein the rack-and-pinion assembly comprises: a rack member, comprising an elongate bar with a set of teeth, wherein the bar is positioned at least partially along the length of the support member; a pinion member, comprising a gear with a corresponding set of teeth configured to displaceably engage with the set of teeth on the rack member; an electric motor, operatively connected to the pinion member; and at least one coupling means, configured to operatively couple the bar to the pinion member to allow the displacement of the bar along the length of the rack member; wherein the rack-and-pinion assembly is configured to generate at least one level of resistance against the linear displacement of the bar.

[0015] The electro-mechanical resistance means may be configured to provide resistance against the linear displacement of the bar from the base towards the upper end of the support member. Preferably, the electro-mechanical resistance means is configured to generate resistance against the linear displacement of the bar in both directions of displacement.

[0016] The elongate bar may be provided with a transverse portion, extending outwardly to render the bar substantially T-shaped, wherein the elongate bar extends substantially horizontally from the support member and the transverse portion is configured to be held by a user when performing resistance training exercises.

[0017] Further alternatively, the electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus may include a second elongate support member, extending vertically from the base, wherein the bar extends between the first and the second support members and is displaceably coupled to each of the support members towards its corresponding end portions.

[0018] The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus may include a second adjustable electromechanical resistance means, wherein each of the first and the second resistance means are connected towards the respective end portions of the bar and are configured to generate at least one level of resistance against the linear displacement of the bar.

[0019] The support member may be provided with a guide rail along the length of the member, configured to guide and confine the displacement of the bar in a substantially linear path along the length of the support member. Preferably, the first and the second support members are provided with a guide rail along the length of each member, configured to guide and confine the displacement of the bar in a substantially linear, vertical path along the length of the support members.

[0020] The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus may be adjustable according to a set of predetermined resistances. The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus further may be provided with a controller, the controller comprising: a processor and a memory configured to control the level of resistance generated by the electromechanical resistance means; an input device, configured to allow the user to adjust the level of resistance generated by the electro-mechanical resistance means accordingly to the set of predetermined resistances; and an output device, configured to display the current level of resistance generated by the electromechanical resistance means. [0021] The controller may be provided with a transmission means, configured to transmit and receive data to and from an external device. Preferably, the transmission means is configured to transmit and receive data to and from an electronic mobile device such as a smartphone.

[0022] The controller may be configured further to: calculate the force expended within a period of time by the user via the processor and the memory; and display the force expended by the user via the output device.

[0023] The controller may be configured to receive and store a training goal within the memory after it has been entered by the user via the input device.

[0024] The controller may be configured to: provide a customized resistance training exercise routine, based on the stored training goal in the memory; and display corresponding information relating to the exercise routine on the output device.

[0025] The controller may be configured to: track and store the progress of a user while completing the exercise routine in the memory; and to display resultant information on the output device once the exercise routine has been completed.

[0026] The controller may be configured to track and store the amount of time the user used the electromechanical resistance exercise apparatus in the memory.

[0027] The base may comprise a user platform configured to support a user while they are performing resistance training exercises with the bar.

[0028] The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus may be provided with a bar locking mechanism operatively connected to the guide rail configured to secure the bar at selected displacement positions along the support member.

[0029] The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus may be provided with an external power source and an electrical generator connected to the power source and the controller respectively, wherein the displacement of the bar causes the electrical generator to convert the energy from the displacement of the bar into electrical energy and store it in the external power source.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030] A non-limiting embodiment of the invention shall now be described with referenced to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus, as illustrated in Figure 1 , wherein the covers are removed;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4a is a perspective view of the electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus wherein the covers are removed, as illustrated in Figure 2, wherein the electro-mechanical resistance means comprises a ball-screw assembly;

Figure 4b is a close-up perspective view of the ball-screw shaft of the ball-screw assembly, as illustrated in Figure 4a;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus wherein the covers are removed, as illustrated in Figure 2, wherein the electro-mechanical resistance means comprises a belt-and-pulley assembly;

Figure 6a is a close-up perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus wherein the covers are removed, as illustrated in Figure 2, wherein the electro-mechanical resistance means comprises a rack-and-pinion assembly;

Figure 6b is a top view of the rack-and-pinion assembly, as illustrated in Figure 6a; Figure 6c is a cross-sectional side view of the rack-and-pinion assembly, along the line 6c, as illustrated in Figure 6a;

Figure 7a is a close-up perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus wherein the covers are removed, as illustrated in Figure 2, wherein the electro-mechanical resistance means comprises a rack-and-pinion assembly;

Figure 7b is a top view of the rack-and-pinion assembly, as illustrated in Figure 7a;

Figure 7c is a cross-sectional side view of the rack-and-pinion assembly, along the line 7c, as illustrated in Figure 7a;

Figure 8a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus, in accordance with the invention, wherein the electro-mechanical resistance means comprises a rack-and-pinion assembly;

Figure 8b is a close-up perspective view of the rack-and-pinion assembly, as illustrated in Figure 8a;

Figure 8c is a top view of the rack-and-pinion assembly, as illustrated in Figure 8a;

Figure 9 is a diagram of the electronic controller of the electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus; and

Figure 10 is a diametric representation of an alternative embodiment of an electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus, in accordance with the invention, wherein the apparatus includes a rechargeable power source.

[0031] An electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus 1 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a base 2, two elongate rigid support members 3, 4 mounted to, and extending vertically from the base, and a gripping member in the form of an elongate bar 5, extending between the support members, wherein the bar is displaceably coupled to each of the support members towards its end portions. The exercise apparatus 1 is further provided with an adjustable electro-mechanical resistance means (not shown) operatively connected to the bar, configured to generate adjustable levels of resistance against the linear displacement of the bar. The support members 3, 4 are further provided with respective covers 6, 7 configured to guide and confine the displacement of the bar in a substantially linear, vertical path along the length of the support members.

[0032] The base 2 is dimensioned and configured to be positioned and mounted on an external support surface such as the floor of a gymnasium or physical exercise centre. The base 2 is provided with nonslip, friction surface (not shown) to support a user while they are performing resistance exercises with the bar 5. The bar 5 is configured to be displaceable linearly along the length of the support member when a user exerts directional force onto the bar and the electro-mechanical resistance means (not shown) is configured to generate resistance in opposition to the attempted displacement of the bar by the user. The electro-mechanical resistance means (not shown) is configured to provide resistance against the displacement of the bar 5 in both directions of displacement. The exercise apparatus 1 is further provided with a wall-mounted user interface 8, connected to the controller means (not shown) that is configured to allow a user to adjust the resistance being generated by the electro-mechanical adjustment means, and to display various exercise metrics including, the current resistance level, the exercise being performed, the username of the current user and the number of repetitions that the user has completed.

[0033] An alternative electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus 8a as illustrated in Figure 3 comprises a base 9, an elongate rigid support member 10 mounted to, and extending vertically from the base, and a substantially T-shaped, elongate bar 11 extending horizontally from the support member. The elongate bar 11 is further provided with two handle arrangements 12, 13 located towards the respective free-ends of the bar, configured to be held and gripped by a user while they are performing resistance training exercises. The handle arrangements 12, 13 are provided with a non-slip, friction surface to ensure that they can be gripped easily. The exercise apparatus 8 is further provided with an adjustable electro-mechanical resistance means (not shown) operatively connected to the bar, configured to generate adjustable levels of resistance against the linear displacement of the bar 11 .

[0034] The electro-mechanical resistance means of the exercise apparatus 1 as illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b, comprises a ball-screw assembly 14. The ball-screw assembly 14 comprises a ball-screw shaft 15 with a relatively high helix mounted to, and positioned along the length of, the support member 3 wherein the shaft is provided with a continuous helical thread along its length. The ball-screw assembly 14 is further provided with an electric motor 16 operatively connected to the ball-screw shaft 15 and at least one engaging member (not shown) comprising a plurality of ball bearings that are configured to engage with and move along the thread of the ball-screw shaft. The bar 5 is secured to a coupling means 17 to operatively couple the bar to the engaging member thereby allowing the displacement of the bar to be controlled and regulated by the electric motor 16 via the ball-screw shaft 15. The ball-screw assembly 14 is configured to generate adjustable levels of resistance against the displacement of the bar 5.

[0035] An alternative embodiment of the electro-mechanical resistance means of the exercise apparatus 1 as illustrated in Figure 5, comprises a belt-and-pulley assembly 18. The belt-and-pulley assembly 18 comprises an elongate toothed belt 19 mounted to, and positioned along the length of the support member 3. The belt-and-pulley assembly 18 is further provided with a first pulley 20, operatively connected to the toothed belt 19 and located towards the upper end of the support member 3, and a second drive-pulley 20a, operatively connected to the toothed belt and located towards the lower end of the support member. The drive-pulley 20a is connected to an electric motor 21 , wherein the motor is configured to control and regulate the rotation of the drive-pulley. The bar 5 is secured to a coupling means, the latter in turn being configured to operatively couple the bar to the toothed belt 19, thereby allowing the displacement of the bar to be controlled and regulated by the electric motor 21 via the belt. The belt-and-pulley assembly is configured to generate adjustable levels of resistance against the displacement of the bar 5.

[0036] An alternative embodiment of the electro-mechanical resistance means of the exercise apparatus 1 as illustrated in Figures 6a to 6c, comprises a rack-and-pinion assembly 22. The rack-and- pinion assembly 22 comprises an elongate rack member 23 mounted to, and positioned along the length of, the support member 3, wherein the member is provided with a set of equi-spaced teeth. The rack- and-pinion assembly 22 is further provided with a pinion member 24 comprising a gear with a corresponding set of equi-spaced teeth, configured to displaceably engage with the teeth on the rack member 23. The pinion member 24 further includes an electric motor 25 positioned within the pinion member, wherein the electric motor is configured to control and regulate the rotation of the pinion member. The bar 5 is coupled to the rack-and-pinion assembly 22, thereby allowing the displacement of the bar to be controlled and regulate by the electric motor 25. The rack-and-pinion assembly 22 is further provided with a stabilizing guide rail 26, mounted to, and positioned along the length of, the support member 3 configured to stabilize and restrict the displacement of the bar 5 to a linear path, and to prevent the lateral movement of the bar during its displacement.

[0037] An alternative embodiment of the electro-mechanical resistance means of the exercise apparatus 1 as illustrated in Figures 7a to 7c, comprises a rack-and-pinion assembly 27. The rack-and- pinion assembly 27 comprises an elongate rack member 28 mounted to, and positioned along the length of, the support member 3, wherein the member is provided with a set of equi-spaced teeth. The rack- and-pinion assembly 27 is further provided with a pinion member 29 comprising a gear with a corresponding set of equi-spaced teeth configured to displaceably engage with the teeth on the rack member 28. The pinion member 29 further includes an electric motor 30 positioned adjacent to the pinion member, wherein the electric motor is configured to control and regulate the rotation of the pinion member. The bar 5 is coupled to the rack-and-pinion assembly 27 with a coupling means, thereby allowing the displacement of the bar to be controlled and regulate by the electric motor 30. The rack- and-pinion assembly 27 is further provided with a stabilizing guide rail 31 , mounted to, and positioned along the length of, the support member 3 configured to stabilize and restrict the displacement of the bar 5 to a linear path, and to prevent the lateral movement of the bar during its displacement.

[0038] An alternative embodiment of the electro-mechanical resistance means of the exercise apparatus 1 as illustrated in Figures 8a to 8c, comprises a rack-and-pinion assembly 32. The rack-and- pinion assembly 32 comprises an elongate rack member 33 mounted to, and positioned along the length of, the support member 3, wherein the member is provided with a set of equi-spaced teeth. The rack- and-pinion assembly 32 is further provided with a pinion member 34 comprising a gear with a corresponding set of equi-spaced teeth configured to displaceably engage with the teeth on the rack member 33. The pinion member 34 further includes an electric motor 35 positioned adjacent to the pinion member, wherein the electric motor is configured to control and regulate the rotation of the pinion member. The bar 5 is coupled to the rack-and-pinion assembly 32 with a coupling means, thereby allowing the displacement of the bar to be controlled and regulated by the electric motor 35. The rack- and-pinion assembly 32 is further provided with two stabilizing guide rails 36, 37, mounted to, and positioned along the length of, the support member 3 configured to stabilize and restrict the displacement of the bar 5 to a linear path, and to prevent the lateral movement of the bar during its displacement.

[0039] The exercise apparatus 1 as illustrated in Figure 9 is provided with an electronic controller 38 comprising programmable logic controller (PLC) unit with a processor and memory configured to control the level of resistance provided by the electro-mechanical resistance means (not shown). The electronic controller 38 is connected to an external power source 48. The electronic controller 38 is further connected to the user interface 8, configured to allow a user to input data and commands into the controller 38. It is envisaged that such data and commands could comprise the resistance level of the electro-mechanical resistances means, the physical metrics of the user such as age, gender and weight, a user’s training goal and/or repetition goal. The user interface 8 is further configured to display various exercise metrics including, the current resistance level, the exercise being performed, the username of the current user and the number of repetitions that the user has completed. The controller 38 is provided with a remote transmission means (not shown) configured to wirelessly be send and receive data and commands from an electronic mobile communication device 39 such as a smartphone. The controller 38 is further configured to calculate the force expended within a period of time by a user, generate a customized resistance training exercise routine based on a user’s training goal and track and store the amount of time a user has used the exercise apparatus 1 .

[0040] The electronic controller 38 is connected to electronic motor drivers 40, 41 via command cables 42, 43 that are configured to transmit command signals from the electronic controller to the electronic drivers. The electronic motor drivers 40, 41 are connected to electric motors 44, 45, which form part of the electro-mechanical resistance means, via power and feedback cables 46, 47. The electronic motor drivers 40, 41 are configured to control and power the electric motors 44, 45 by providing the necessary electrical signals and power, via the power and feedback cables 46, 47, to drive the operation of the electric motors, thereby allowing the electronic controller 38 to control and regulate the level of resistance generated by the electronic resistance means.

[0041] An alternative embodiment of the exercise apparatus 1 as illustrated in Figure 10 comprises a primary power source such as a rechargeable battery, and an electrical generator connected to the electronic controller, and a secondary, auxiliary power source comprising the mains power supply. The primary power source is used to provide electric power to the exercise apparatus 1 , and the electrical generator is configured to convert the energy from the displacement of the bar into electrical energy and store it in the primary power source while the exercise apparatus is being used. When the exercise apparatus 1 is not in use, the secondary, auxiliary power source is used to power the apparatus.

[0042] It will be appreciated that many variations in detail are possible without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the inventions as defined in the claims hereinafter and/or as described in the specific embodiments hereinabove.

Claims

1. An electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus for performing a plurality of resistance training exercises, the apparatus comprising: a base, dimensioned and configured for positioning on an external support surface; at least one elongate rigid support member, extending vertically from the base; a gripping member, operatively coupled to the support member, wherein the gripping member is configured to be displaceable linearly along at least part of the length of the support member by a user when a correspondingly directed, displacement force is exerted onto the gripping member; and an adjustable electro-mechanical resistance means, operatively connected to the gripping member, configured to generate at least one level of resistance against the linear displacement of the gripping member; wherein the electro-mechanical resistance means is configured to generate an adjustable resistance in opposition to the displacement of the gripping member by the user, thereby allowing the user to perform a plurality of resistance training exercises with the apparatus.

2. The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the gripping means is an elongate bar.

3. The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the electromechanical resistance means comprises a ball-screw assembly, wherein the ball-screw assembly comprises: a ball-screw shaft, provided with a continuous helical thread along its length wherein the shaft is positioned along the length of the support member; an electric motor, operatively connected to the ball-screw shaft; at least one engaging member, provided with a plurality of ball bearings that are configured to engage with and move along the thread of the ball-screw shaft; and at least one coupling means, configured to operatively couple the bar to the engaging member and thereby allow the displacement of the bar along the length of the ball-screw shaft; wherein the ball-screw assembly is configured to generate at least one level of resistance against the linear displacement of the bar.

4. The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the electro- mechanical resistance means comprises a belt-and-pulley assembly, wherein the belt-and-pulley assembly comprises: an elongate toothed belt, positioned along the length of the support member; a first pulley, operatively connected to the toothed belt located towards a first end of the support member; a second drive pulley, operatively connected to the toothed belt located towards a second end of the support member; an electric motor, operatively connected to the to the drive-pulley; and at least one coupling means, configured to operatively couple the bar to the toothed belt and thereby allow the displacement of the bar along the length of the belt; wherein the belt-and-pulley assembly is configured to generate at least one level of resistance against the linear displacement of the bar. The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the electromechanical resistance means comprises a rack-and-pinion assembly, wherein the rack-and- pinion assembly comprises: a rack member, comprising an elongate bar provided with a set of teeth, wherein the bar is positioned along the length of the support member; a pinion member, comprising a gear provided with a corresponding set of teeth configured to displaceably engage with the teeth on the rack member; an electric motor, operatively connected to the to the pinion member; and at least one coupling means, configured to operatively couple the bar to the pinion member and thereby allow the displacement of the bar along the length of the rack member; wherein the rack-and-pinion assembly is configured to generate at least one level of resistance against the linear displacement of the bar. The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the electromechanical resistance means is configured to provide resistance against the linear displacement of the bar from the base towards the upper end of the support member. The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the electromechanical resistance means is configured to generate resistance against the linear displacement of the bar in both directions of displacement. The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the elongate bar is provided with a second transverse elongate portion perpendicular to the first elongate portion, rendering the bar substantially T-shaped, wherein the first elongate portion extends substantially horizontally from the support member, and the second elongate portion is configured to be held by a user when performing resistance training exercises. The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the support member is provided with a guide rail along the length of the member, configured to guide and confine the displacement of the bar in a substantially linear, vertical path along the length of the support member. The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the apparatus is provided with a second elongate support member extending vertically from the base, wherein the bar extends between the first and the second support member and is displaceably coupled to each of the support members towards its end portions. The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the apparatus is provided with a second adjustable electro-mechanical resistance means, wherein each of the first and the second resistance means are connected to the respective end portions of the bar and are configured to generate at least one, substantially equal level of resistance against the linear displacement of the bar. The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the first and the second support members are provided with a guide rail along the length of each member, configured to guide and confine the displacement of the bar in a substantially linear, vertical path along the length of the support members. The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterised in being adjustable according to a set of predetermined resistances. The electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the apparatus is provided with a controller, the controller comprising: a processor and a memory configured to control the level of resistance generated by the electro-mechanical resistance means according to the set of predetermined resistances; an input device, configured to allow the user to adjust the level of resistance generated by the electro-mechanical resistance means; and an output device configured to display the current level of resistance generated by the electromechanical resistance means. The electro-mechanical resistance training exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the controller is provided with a transmission means, configured to transmit and receive data to and from an external device. The electro-mechanical resistance training exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the external device comprises an electronic mobile communication device. The electro-mechanical resistance training exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the controller is configured to: calculate the force expended within a period of time by the user via the processor and the memory; and display the force expended by the user via the output device. The electro-mechanical resistance training exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the controller is configured to receive and store a training goal within the memory after it has been entered by the user via the input device. The electro-mechanical resistance training exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the controller is configured to: provide a customized resistance training exercise routine based on the stored training goal in the memory; and display corresponding information relating to the exercise routine on the output device. The electro-mechanical resistance training exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the controller is configured to: track and store the progress of a user while completing the exercise routine in the memory; and to display resultant information on the output device once the exercise routine has been completed.

21 . The electro-mechanical resistance training exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the controller is configured to track and store the amount of time the user used the electro-mechanical resistance exercise apparatus in the memory.

22. The electro-mechanical resistance training exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base comprises a user platform configured to support the user while the user is performing resistance training exercises with the apparatus.

23. The electro-mechanical resistance training exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the apparatus is provided with a gripping member locking mechanism operatively connected to the guide rail configured to secure the gripping member at selected vertical positions along the support member.

24. The electro-mechanical resistance training exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein apparatus is provided with an external power source and an electrical generator connected to the power source and the controller respectively, wherein the displacement of the bar causes the electrical generator to convert the energy from the displacement of the bar into electrical energy and store it in the external power source.